Planning permission is being sought to turn part of a takeaway in Stevenage High Street into a one-bed flat. 

It is proposed to partially change the use of the ground floor of Papa John's into a one-bed flat, while retaining the shop front.

The plans by Craft & Sons - a family run business specialising in the maintenance and restoration of listed and traditional buildings - also include repairing the exterior timberwork and painting it dark grey.

It comes after planning permission was refused for the takeaway unit to be turned into a two-bed flat.

The Grade II-listed building currently occupied by pizza chain Papa John's was built in 1877 and is within a conservation area.

The design and access statement accompanying the planning application says: "The national policy states that generally the best way of securing the upkeep of historic buildings and areas to keep them in active use. The current commercial tenancy is coming to an end, with no extension plans in place."